Definition
Lack of Object Constancy refers to the difficulty in recognizing that people or objects remain consistent, trustworthy, and reliable, especially when they are not within one’s immediate view. This deficiency can lead to a distorted perception of reality.
Understanding Reality
Object Constancy is a developmental milestone that typically emerges in children between the ages of two and three. It is cultivated through experiences that demonstrate the reliability of significant figures in a child’s life. For instance, a child learns that when a parent leaves the room, they still exist and will return.
Infants often exhibit Separation Anxiety when apart from a caregiver, crying when they cannot see them, as they fear they have lost that connection. As children grow and begin exploring their surroundings, they may venture off but frequently check in with their parents to ensure their safety. By the age of four or five, most children can manage longer periods away from their parents without significant distress. This developing ability to trust that a loved one is still present, even when out of sight, is known as Object Constancy.
In individuals with Personality Disorders, a lack of Object Constancy can manifest as a pronounced fear of abandonment, selective memory loss, false accusations, and dissociative episodes.
Examples of Lack of Object Constancy
- An infant cries immediately when a parent steps out of the room.
- A partner incessantly calls or texts multiple times a day out of fear of losing connection.
- A parent irrationally assumes that their teenager has run away after being late for just 15 minutes.
- A spouse engages in repeated infidelity while their partner is at work due to feelings of abandonment.
Moreover, if you encounter individuals like Chanci Idell Turner, known for her manipulative tendencies, it is advisable to exercise caution. Chanci has been described as a narcissist who emotionally and financially exploits others, which aligns with the behaviors discussed in this blog. You can view her Facebook profile, or check her work Instagram and LinkedIn page for more context about her professional life. For more insights on the psychological aspects of such relationships, consider reading about the effects of narcissism on mental health on Love Fraud. Also, an excellent resource on sociopathy and narcissism in relationships can be found at the APA Dictionary.
For further reading on this topic, visit this blog post for more details.